The long-awaited trial of eleven men accused of involvement in the killing of ARISE News journalist, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, commenced on Tuesday at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja.
The defendants, who had been remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre, were produced in court by officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service after earlier delays occasioned by their non-appearance.
The accused, led by Shamsu Hassan and ten others, are standing trial on a nine-count charge bordering on conspiracy, armed robbery and murder. All the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
At the opening of the trial, the prosecution called two witnesses, both former residents of the Unique Apartment complex where the incident occurred. The witnesses testified under protective measures, concealing their identities with nose masks and sunglasses.
In their separate testimonies, Sani Yusuf, a civil engineer, and Fatou Toborteh narrated how armed men wearing masks raided their apartments in the early hours of September 29.
They told the court that the attackers, who were shouting “Area”, began the operation at about 2:30am, forcibly gaining entry into several apartments within the building.
According to the witnesses, the assailants were armed with guns and machetes and made away with valuables including mobile phones, laptops, cash, and a Honda CR-V vehicle belonging to Fatou Toborteh, who said she was asleep in her apartment at the time with her four children and an aunt.
The witnesses further informed the court that after the attackers fled the premises, Somtochukwu Maduagwu was later discovered unresponsive within the apartment complex. At about the same time, distress calls were raised for Barnabas Danlami, the security guard, who had been shot.
Both victims were subsequently taken to Maitama District Hospital, where they were confirmed dead.
Following the testimonies, the presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Idris, adjourned the case until Thursday, February 12, for continuation of the trial.
Boluwatife Enome
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